What weight is right for you? No need to guess.
Most weighted plush toys force you to make just one choice: you buy a weight, and you’re stuck with it. But the weight that feels good today isn’t necessarily right next month — or right for someone else in your home. That’s why we’ve done things differently.
The short version
An Ella Sleeps weighs 2 kg. Inside its belly are three removable pouches of tourmaline beads, each weighing 250 grams. Remove one and it weighs 1.75 kg. Remove two and it weighs 1.5 kg. Remove all three and it weighs 1.25 kg.
So you don’t have to know in advance what feels right. You can try it.
Why weight is personal
There’s a rule of thumb going around online: around 10% of your body weight. That rule comes from the world of weighted blankets, where the weight is spread over your whole body. A plush toy works differently — you hold it, place it on your lap, or against your chest. The weight rests on a much smaller area.
What people tell us in practice: the ideal feeling varies not only from person to person, but from moment to moment. After a busy day, you often want more. On a day when everything already feels like too much, you want less. A fixed weight can’t adapt to that.
A guideline to get you started
| Situation | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You’re looking for a clear, enveloping feeling | 2 kg (all pouches in) | The full weight, as the plush toy was designed |
| You’re not sure | 1.75 kg (one pouch removed) | Noticeably present, not overwhelming |
| For a child who’s still getting used to it | 1.5 kg (two removed) | Room to build up gradually |
| First time trying it, or it feels like too much too quickly | 1.25 kg (all three removed) | The plush toy without added weight |
You can always go back. That’s the whole point.
How to adjust the weight
- Open the pocket in the plush toy’s belly
- Take one or more pouches out
- Close the compartment
Store the pouches somewhere you can find them again—out of reach of young children. You’ll need to remove them before washing anyway.
Why not just make it heavier?
Heavier isn’t better. A cuddly toy that feels too heavy won’t get used, and one that doesn’t get used does nothing. People like a cuddly toy that feels noticeably present without actively bothering them—and where that line lies varies greatly.
Weighted cuddly toy or weighted blanket?
A blanket lies over you and is mainly used in bed. You hold a cuddly toy, take it with you to the sofa, and use it during the day too. If you find a blanket claustrophobic, a cuddly toy usually feels more comfortable. Mainly looking for something for the night and for your whole body? Then a blanket makes more sense.
View the weighted blanketsChoose your animal
Every animal in the Ella Sleeps family has exactly the same weight system—the dog, the Scottish Highland cow, the elephant, the unicorn and the dinosaur. So the choice is purely about which animal appeals to you. Choose your animal on the product page.
View the weighted cuddly toyFrequently asked questions
How much does an Ella Sleeps weighted cuddly toy weigh?
2 kg in total, adjustable to 1.75, 1.5 or 1.25 kg by removing pouches.
Can a weighted cuddly toy be too heavy?
Yes. If the cuddly toy feels uncomfortable or restrictive, it’s too heavy. Remove a pouch from its belly.
What’s inside the weight pouches?
Tourmaline beads. They provide the weight and keep it evenly distributed.
Can I change the weight later?
Yes, as often as you like. The pouches take seconds to remove and put back in.
Does the 10% rule apply to cuddly toys?
The rule of thumb comes from the world of weighted blankets, where it makes sense. With a cuddly toy, the weight rests on a smaller area, so the rule doesn’t translate directly. Trying it out works better than calculating.